On January 22, Torres struck 72-year-old Tot Van Nguyen while he was crossing a Salt Lake street. After he struck Nguyen, Torres continued without stopping.

According to police, Nguyen died at the hospital due to the injuries he sustained in the crash. Torres told officers he saw the reflectors of the bicycle and knew he had hit someone. He says he fled the scene because he was scared.

At the Jardine Law Offices, we recognize that there are many ways people sustain injuries in and around the roadways. If you need a Salt Lake City car accident attorney, call us today so we can secure the compensation you deserve.

The Real Numbers

During the latest reporting year for Utah, there were 62,471 vehicle accidents according to the Highway Safety Office. Out of those accidents, there were:

281 fatalities

26,738 people injured

When it comes to injuries in vehicle accidents, most of them are minor. However, we need to point out that even minor injuries can lead to major medical bills. A simple ambulance ride can cost over $500. Now, consider some of the major injuries that occur in vehicle accidents:

Spinal cord injuries

Traumatic brain injuries

Internal organ damage or bleeding

Severe lacerations

Broken or dislocated bones

These injuries require immediate and extensive medical care. Victims of these injuries often also need extended rehabilitation so they can make a full recovery. The medical costs associated with these injuries can be tremendous, but we also need to consider other hidden costs: lost wages if a person cannot work, home accommodations, pain and suffering damages, and more.

The state breaks down the causes of vehicle accidents as cited on police documents. Some of the main causes of accidents revolve around driver negligence and include:

Though alcohol-related crashes only caused a relatively small number of the total crashes in Utah (2.7% for the latest reporting year), they tend to be more devastating as far as damages and injuries go.

Regardless of how a driver’s carelessness causes other people harm, they need to be held accountable for their actions.

Moving Forward From Here

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a vehicle that was caused by another person’s negligence, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At the Jardine Law Offices, our knowledgeable and experienced team will work with you to figure out exactly what happened so we can work on securing the compensation you deserve. This can include:

Coverage of your medical bills

Lost income if you cannot work due to your injuries

Loss of enjoyment of life damages

Possible punitive damages

When you need a Salt Lake City car accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 801-451-9555 for a free consultation.